Tastes of Umbria

Start your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Perugia, the elegant hilltop capital of Italy’s Umbria region. Its historic core stands on an ancient Etruscan and Roman acropolis originating from the sixth century BC, branching out to five medieval districts that feel frozen in time. Wander along the maze of cobbled lanes, passing between resplendent piazzas, palazzos and fountains, linked by winding stone staircases and ornate gates. Stop by the National Gallery of Umbria to marvel at one of Italy’s finest art collections, including masterpieces from renowned renaissance painter, Pietro Perugino. If you’re a chocolate lover, a trip to the Casa del Cioccolato factory and museum, the home of Baci Perugina chocolates, is a must. 

Today, you’ll set off towards Assisi, a postcard-worthy hilltop village with wonderful views overlooking the fertile Umbrian countryside. It’s home to the 13th-century Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most important Christian pilgrimage landmarks, renowned for its colourful frescoes. You’ll also have time to check out the impressive pink-and-white striped Basilica di Santa Chiara before continuing on to the medieval walled town of Norcia, in the foothills of the Sibillini Mountains. Check into your accommodation at the delightful Palazzo Seneca, which combines classic Umbrian architecture with first class hospitality and exquisite cuisine. Be sure to reserve a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Vespasia, whose beautifully presented dishes are cooked using quality ingredients from local producers, as well as its own farm, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices.

After breakfast, you have a couple of immersive gastronomic experiences to choose from. Perhaps you’ll take the opportunity to meet Michelin-starred chefs for a cooking workshop, in which they’ll demonstrate their mastery of local ingredients and techniques, telling you the secrets of how to replicate their recipes at home. This will be followed by an informal tasting session. Alternatively, you may decide to visit an award-winning olive oil farm for a guided tour and sensory experience in which you’ll learn all about the subtleties of the highest quality olive oil, followed by a light lunch. Whichever activity you choose, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into Umbria’s rich culinary heritage. 

This morning, you’ll be picked up by an English-speaking guide for a private transfer ahead of a black truffle hunting experience. As well as searching in the woods for Umbria’s treasured ‘black gold’, you’ll be shown the process of making fresh ricotta cheese – the perfect accompaniment to the rich, earthy flavour of truffles. Enjoy a picnic filled with traditional local delicacies in the peaceful surroundings of the forest before heading back to Norcia for your final evening at the Palazzo Seneca. 

After one final breakfast at Palazzo Seneca, it's time to head back to Perugia for your flight home – or you could extend your stay by continuing on to Tuscany.